When should peach trees be fertilized, and what fertilizer is most suitable?

SummaryBase fertilizer: Apply base fertilizer about 1 month before the peach tree drops its leaves, mainly applying organic fertilizer. Fertilizing after flowering: Apply fertilizer before flowering after early spring, mainly applying nitrogen fertilizer. Fertilizing at fruit-setting stage: Apply fertilizer after flowering until the fruit pit hardens, mainly applying nitrogen fertilizer. Fertilizing at fruit-swelling stage: Apply fertilizer after the fruit once again enters a rapid growth period, mainly applying nitrogen fertilizer. Fertilizing after harvest: After harvesting the peaches, apply fertilizer once, mainly applying phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, then supplement with nitrogen fertilizer.

I. Base fertilizer

1. The best time to apply base fertilizer to peach trees is generally in autumn, that is, about 1 month before the peach tree drops its leaves. It is generally mainly organic fertilizer. When the amount of organic fertilizer used is relatively small, the amount of nitrogen fertilizer can be determined according to the age of the tree, its growth vigor, and the fertility level of the soil.

2. Generally, the amount of nitrogen fertilizer in the base fertilizer accounts for about 40%-60% of the total fertilizer applied that year. It can generally be applied in shallow trenches dug under the tree. Note that when fertilizing, do not get too close to the tree body, and the fertilizer should be properly mixed with the soil to avoid burning the roots.

II. Fertilizing after flowering

Generally, fertilizer can be applied after early spring and before flowering. The fertilizer is mainly nitrogen fertilizer, accounting for about 10% of the fertilizer applied that year. It can be carried out at the same time as irrigation after the beginning of spring. If the amount of base fertilizer applied in autumn is relatively high, or if the base fertilizer was applied in winter, then the flower-promoting fertilizer may not be applied, or only a small amount may be applied.

III. Fertilizing at fruit-setting stage

Generally, fertilizer can be applied after flowering until the fruit pit hardens, which helps increase the fruit-setting rate, improve tree nutrition, and promote rapid early fruit growth. It is mainly nitrogen fertilizer, supplemented with a small amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, with the amount accounting for about 10% of the amount applied that year.

IV. Fertilizing at fruit-swelling stage

Apply fertilizer after the fruit once again enters a rapid growth period. Generally, the fruit-swelling stage of mid- and late-maturing varieties basically coincides with the flower bud differentiation stage. At this time, fertilizing is of great significance for promoting rapid fruit growth, promoting flower bud differentiation, and laying a good foundation for production in the 2nd year. It is mainly nitrogen fertilizer, and at the same time, according to soil conditions, an appropriate amount of potassium fertilizer can be applied, with the amount accounting for about 20%-30% of the amount applied that year.

V. Fertilizing after harvest

1. After harvesting the peaches, apply fertilizer once, generally mainly phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, then supplement with nitrogen fertilizer, which helps replenish the consumption of tree nutrition, while strengthening the accumulation of tree nutrition, improving the peach tree's ability to overwinter, and ensuring sustained high yield in the 2nd year.

2. Peach fruits are juicy and can be eaten raw or made into preserved peaches and canned peaches, etc. The kernel can also be eaten. The flesh can be white or yellow. There are many varieties of peaches. Generally, the skin has fuzz, while the “nectarine” has smooth skin; the “flat peach” fruit is flat and disc-shaped; the “ornamental peach” is a peach tree for ornamental flowers, with many forms of petals. Peaches originated in China and are widely planted in various provinces and regions.